Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Decisions in Turkey

The recognition of foreign court decisions in Turkey is often essential to prevent legal and practical complications. Without undergoing the recognition process, a foreign court decision cannot be legally binding in Turkey. This means that rulings on matters such as divorce, child custody, or inheritance will not automatically take effect within the Turkish legal system.

Why is recognition necessary?

• Establishing legal validity: A divorce decree that is not recognized in Turkey may result in the marriage being considered legally valid. This can create significant issues, such as complications in remarriage, inheritance disputes, or obtaining official documents like ID cards or passports.
• Enforcing rights: Alimony, compensation claims, or other financial obligations can only be executed if the court decision is recognized in Turkey.
• Preventing legal uncertainty: Family law or inheritance rulings that are not recognized in Turkey can be contested, leading to delays and disputes that affect all parties involved.

Thus, the recognition of foreign court decisions is a vital step to ensure their enforceability and legal effect in Turkey. However, this process requires in-depth knowledge of Turkish legal procedures and meticulous preparation of the necessary documentation.

What types of decisions require recognition and enforcement?

• Divorce decrees: If a marriage status is not updated in Turkey, the couple is still considered married, which can lead to legal complications regarding remarriage or inheritance.
• Custody rulings: Foreign custody decisions must be recognized in Turkey to resolve disputes over parental rights or the child’s residence.
• Guardianship orders: Guardianship rulings for minors or incapacitated individuals require recognition to protect their rights in Turkey.
• Inheritance decisions: The distribution of assets located in Turkey requires the recognition of foreign inheritance rulings.
• Alimony decisions: Court orders for alimony payments must be recognized in Turkey before enforcement.

Our Services

• Consultation and analysis: We review your documents and evaluate the likelihood of successful recognition and enforcement.
• Document preparation: We prepare all required documents, ensuring compliance with Turkish legal standards, including notarization and translation.
• Court representation: Our experienced attorneys provide professional representation in Turkish courts.
• Coordination with authorities: We manage interactions with all relevant institutions to ensure a smooth and efficient process.